Asthma is a chronic disease involving inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Although there is no diet that can cure asthma, a healthy, nutrient-rich diet helps the body cope with this long-term disease. There is some scientific evidence that foods rich in vitamin C, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have asthma, never substitute dietary changes for your medications, nor take supplements without consulting your doctor.
Fruits and Vegetables Containing Vitamin C
Studies discussed in an article by Keith Allan and Graham Devereux at the University of Aberdeen show a slight association between dietary vitamin C and asthma relief. A 2011 study from Indiana University showed that large doses of vitamin C may interrupt the cycle of inflammation that occurs in asthmatic individuals after rigorous exercise. Although this evidence for vitamin C is insufficient to support its addition to the conventional medical treatment of asthma, eating fruits and vegetables is part of an overall healthy diet. Fruits high in vitamin C include guavas, papayas, oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe, mangoes and tangerines. Vegetables containing high amounts of vitamin C include red and green bell peppers, broccoli, raw spinach, cabbage greens and potatoes with skin.
Foods Rich in Selenium
People with asthma tend to have low levels of selenium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and a diet rich in selenium may reduce the risk of asthma or reduce its symptoms. Selenium-rich foods include Brazil nuts, canned tuna, beef, cod, turkey, chicken breast, pasta, eggs, cottage cheese, oatmeal, rice, walnuts and cottage cheese. Do not take selenium supplements without consulting your doctor.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Although scientific studies are inconclusive, there is some evidence, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Aberdeen, that omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish can reduce inflammation and symptoms in both children and adults with asthma. Fish rich in omega-3s include mackerel, salmon and sardines.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment or flavonoid and an antioxidant that gives vegetables and fruits their color. In the body it acts as an antihistamine, preventing cells from releasing histamines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and is anti-inflammatory. No studies as yet show that it reduces the symptoms of asthma, although it is being proposed as a treatment for asthma. Apples contain quercetin, as do citrus fruits, tea, red wine, onions, parsley, olive oil, dark berries and dark cherries.
Avoid Salty Snacks
A study of 300 asthmatic children between the ages of 10 and 12, reported in 2011 in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," found a strong association between a diet high in salty snacks and asthma symptoms. The conclusions of this study suggest eating salty snacks should be discouraged in young children.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association;" Diet and Asthma: Nutrition Implications from Prevention to Treatment; Keith Allan and Graham Devereux; February, 2011
- Indiana University News Room: Vitamin C--A Nutritional Approach to Managing Exercise-Induced Asthma
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Quercetin
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association;" Salty-Snack Eating, Television or Video-Game Viewing, and Asthma Symptoms among 10- to 12-Year-Old Children: The PANACEA Study; Fotini Arvaniti, et al.; February, 2011
